Riot police fired tear gas and water cannons in clashes with stone-throwing youths during a protest overnight in Geneva against the G7 group of wealthy nations, a day before its leaders including US President Donald Trump hold a summit in nearby France.
A violent standoff extended into the evening after a series of incidents — including a car set ablaze and a bank's windows smashed — along the route of an afternoon march that drew an estimated 20,000 people, including some 600 so-called "Black Bloc" militants, according to figures from Geneva police spokesman Alexandre Brahier.
The demonstration, which had been previously organised by a hodgepodge of activist groups after weeks of negotiations with local authorities, was otherwise peaceful — with environmentalists, women's rights advocates, supporters of Palestinians and foes of imperialism, fascism and capitalism.
Early on during the march, firefighters extinguished a Tesla that was set ablaze next to the central bus stop and a phalanx of riot police cordoned off a secure area as a crowd congregated nearby.
A handful of demonstrators ripped down wooden barriers that were previously erected to protect a Banque du Leman and smashed its windows.
Several groups of dozens of youths wearing black hoodies, masks and goggles were mixed in among the other marchers — including behind an anti-Trump banner. Two with their faces totally covered refused to speak with The Associated Press and silently waved off questions before the protest began.
Some protesters fired flares toward officers or tore up chunks of asphalt and chucked them toward police in shields and riot gear.
The clashes continued even after police ordered the demonstrators to disperse.
The vast majority of marchers at the front were advocates of women's rights, many wearing purple T-shirts and holding up banners and posters that decried the "patriarchy," a lack of women in executive positions and inequality in pay and executive jobs in the workplace.
Other marchers held signs that showed sympathy for Palestinians in Gaza, carried slogans like "Antisemitic never; anti-Zionist always" and criticised Trump — often with expletives — among other sharply worded messages.
Organisers of the protest printed a handbook for demonstrators that included a map of the security perimeter, tips on how to gear up for the march, and advice on how to behave if detained by police.
Travel restrictions and limited border crossings during the summit
Swiss and French authorities have deployed thousands of police to provide security for the three-day summit starting Monday in the resort town of Evian-les-Bains, France. The leaders are set to discuss wars in Ukraine,Iran and the Middle East, and economic issues like global inequality and access to critical minerals.
Ahead of the gathering, authorities in Geneva blocked off roads, banned unauthorised gatherings and pledged financial support for businesses who could be hit by unrest.
Scores of businesses and shops in downtown Geneva boarded up their storefronts with wooden panels as a precaution, leery of upheaval that left a trail of damage in the city during a similar summit in Evian in 2003. Only seven of the 35 roadway border crossings will remain open.
The show of activism began a day earlier: a flotilla of around 20 boats appeared on Lake Geneva off the coast of Evian on Saturday, displaying anti-G7 and pro-Palestinian banners. Swiss media reports said some 20 protesters had been detained on Friday evening.
Resident Robin Hedz lamented the "mess" and expressed bafflement about the "wood-wall everywhere," while acknowledging the memories of the trail of damaged property over 20 years ago.
The G7 brings together Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States, though leaders of several other countries including India, Kenya and Ukraine were expected to join for discussions.
France has announced the deployment of more than 13,000 police and gendarmerie officers to ensure security in the summit area. Over 800 French border control officers will be active, up from about 60 normally.
Trump is the focus of protests
Protests are nothing new around such elite gatherings. This time, activists expressed frustration with Trump’s leadership on issues as diverse as tariffs, the war in Iran, climate, and even his past ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The G7 summit takes place as the United States and Iran appear close to a deal to end the war and open the Strait of Hormuz.
"We are very afraid of the policy and the politics of Mr. Trump and also of the other leaders of the G7, because they are fighting, making war all over the place," said Francoise Nyffeler, spokesperson for the NoG7 coalition behind the demonstration overnight.
"The planet is in danger and we are very scared about it and we want to protest and say that the people of the world are against their policies," she added.
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